The Highest Grossing Superhero Movie Of 2016

2015 may have some great superhero films being released such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Fantastic Four and Ant-Man, but 2016 has some mega-huge releases. We’re going to have a look at the superhero films being released in 2016 and try to predict which film will come out on top in the worldwide box office.

The Contenders

All UK release dates

Deadpool (Feb 12th) [Fox/Marvel]

Yes, Deadpool is a superhero! Although he’s probably not the best role model. Nonetheless he will be heading the first superhero film of 2016. There is a lot of hype behind this film, much like the other films on this list, and with good reason. They ruined the Deadpool character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and this is a chance for redemption. It will also be the first R-rated superhero film in the X-Men universe. That mixed with Deadpool’s meta-fourth-wall humour will be a refreshing update to the superhero genre. However, will it be refreshing enough? Or will the R-rating limit the amount of ticket sales?

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Mar 25th) [Warner Bros/DC]

This is the big one. The Caped Crusader versus the Man of Steel. The first time in cinema we will see these two titans battle it out. This will also kick-start the DC movie universe and introduce audiences to other superheroes like Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg. This film is the clear favourite but what about the other contenders?

Captain America: Civil War (Apr 29th) [Disney/Marvel]

Possibly the only film on this list that can contend with the juggernaut that is the Batman V Superman. Both films were initially scheduled for release on the same date, however Warner Bros/DC moved their date back for the fans and nothing to do with the might of Marvel. Not only will this film be the end of the Captain America trilogy, it will also feature Iron Man and many more of the Avengers cast. Can this film take out Batman V Superman for the top spot?

X-Men: Apocalypse (May 19th) [Fox/Marvel]

X-Men: Days of Future Past was a blast, and was one of Third Act’s favourite films of 2014. Can they repeat their success for the 3rd instalment in the new X-Men trilogy which started with X-Men: First Class? With Oscar Isaac playing the big-baddy Apocalypse, a young X-Men cast and returning cast members this movie spells success. Just how successful can this be however?

Suicide Squad (Aug 5th) [Warner Bros/DC]

We’re getting the Joker again. He’ll be making his first appearance in Suicide Squad and with a new actor, Jared Leto, portraying him. There is a lot of hype circulating around this film. We will also get many DC villains on the big screen for the first time. Can an anti-hero/villain film perform however?

Gambit (Oct 7th) [Fox/Marvel]

Fox has really upped their game since X-Men: Days of Future Past, and will hopefully have three superhero films released in 2016. With Gambit being the third release, it’ll be interesting to see how well this performs. For those who don’t know, actor Channing Tatum, best known from 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike has signed on to play the lead of Remy LeBeau in Gambit. Not much else is known other than it’s supposed release in October. Channing is a big star, but can he carry a superhero film by himself?

Doctor Strange (Oct 28th) [Disney/Marvel]

Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and introducing the world of magic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor strange has a lot of work to do, and could pay off in a major way. Just like Guardians of the Galaxy casual audience haven’t really heard of Doctor Strange. But a lot of people have heard of Benedict, will his star power mixed with Disney/Marvel’s prowess be enough?

The Sinister Six (Nov 11th) [Sony/Marvel]

Is this still happening? Apparently so. If you’ve lived under a rock for the past year, Spider-man has been rebooted (again), and this time he will feature alongside the Avengers in the Marvel/Disney Cinematic Universe. Before this announcement however, Sony had plans to release a multitude of spin-off films set in their spider-man universe, and separate from what Marvel/Disney has created with the Avengers. However by the looks of it Sony hasn’t changed their mind on releasing this film. The release date may change, but for now a 2016 release is the most up-to-date information we have. Can this super-villain led film compete?

Prediction (Worldwide Box Office)

Those are the contenders, but who will come out on top.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ($1.5 Billion)

Captain America: Civil War ($1.2 Billion)

X-Men: Apocalypse ($1 Billion)

Suicide Squad ($800 million)

Doctor Strange ($700 million)

Deadpool ($500 million)

Gambit ($400 million)

Sinister Six ($300 million)

I feel that Batman V Superman is a contender not only as the highest grossing superhero film, but in the top five highest grossing films of all time.

What do you guys think? Which superhero film will be the highest grossing of 2016?